Keri Willis-Higgons, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia since 2003, owns Williamsburg Counseling and Wellness Center, LLC (Hilltop Counseling). A Hampton Roads native with a Master’s degree from the University of Virginia, she brings extensive experience from working in clinical settings as a therapist and clinical program director and in higher education, public and private schools, and foster care/adoption.

Certified in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C), Keri specializes in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, focusing on maternal mental health. She is certified in EMDR, as well as trained in brainspotting, allowing a unique specialization in supporting parents with trauma related to the perinatal period. Keri is also Levels 1-3 trained in the Gottman Method of couples therapy and enjoys supporting couples and parents as they face life adjustments and stressors. As an approved clinical supervisor in the state of Virginia, Keri has helped multiple residents in counseling navigate the process of getting licensed. She is also training to become an EMDR consultant. 

Emmy Ray is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in outpatient counseling and intensive therapy for individuals dealing with substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. With a dedicated focus on trauma, anxiety, addiction, and adjustment issues, Emmy also offers expertise in couples therapy. Her therapeutic approach is empathetic, non-judgmental, and strength-based, integrating cognitive behavioral therapy, visualization, meditation, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing to help clients overcome unhelpful patterns and cultivate healthier lives.

Emmy is trained in EMDR and holds level 1 certification in the Gottman Method of couples therapy. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas and her master’s degree in clinical social work from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Susan Rodriguez, a Licensed Professional Counselor, brings extensive mental health expertise from diverse settings, including intensive in-home, higher education, and outpatient counseling. Specializing in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C), with a focus on Black Perinatal Mental Health and pregnancy/infant loss, Susan emphasizes client strengths through a humanistic approach. She integrates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), brief solution-focused therapy, and trauma-informed care tailored to individual needs.

Committed to compassionate care, Susan is an approved Clinical Supervisor in Virginia, dedicated to providing optimal support. Susan holds an undergraduate degree from Sweet Briar College and a Master’s from Radford University. She is an active member of the American Counseling Association and the Virginia Counselors Association.

Margaret (Peggy) Morris, Licensed Professional Counselor, CSAC, brings over 25 years of clinical experience specializing in outpatient services for adults with mental health and substance use disorders. She earned her B.S. in Psychology and M.S. in Counseling and Psychology from Troy State University at Dothan. Peggy is an LPC Supervisor approved by the Virginia Board of Counseling and has practiced EMDR since 2011. Previously, Peggy served as Clinical Coordinator at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic in Virginia Beach, overseeing residents and providing outpatient therapy at DHS Behavioral Health Adult Outpatient Services for over eight years.

With 16 years at Arlington County Community Services Board, Peggy was involved in crisis response teams following 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Matthew, and the 2019 Municipal Center shooting. Peggy utilizes CBT, DBT, EFT, CPT, EMDR, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) for trauma-informed care, addressing anxiety, depression, grief, PTSD, relational trauma, addictions, and compulsive behaviors. She maintains a strong connection with the military community.

Katy Dooley, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, brings nearly a decade of diverse mental health experience, including inpatient treatment, community services board programs, outpatient practices, shelter settings, and hospital systems. She creates a safe, nurturing environment for clients to prioritize their mental health, integrating cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, strengths-based approaches, and trauma-informed care to empower resilience.

In 2023, Katy specialized in Fertility Counseling, supporting clients in ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology), donor options, adoption, and surrogacy. She volunteers with Resolve: The National Infertility Organization, leading Hampton Roads’ peer support group. Katy holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and a master’s in social work from the University of South Carolina.

Hayley Scanlin is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in adolescents and young adults navigating life transitions such as graduation, independence, and changing relationships. Offering both in-person and telehealth appointments, Hayley meets clients where they feel most comfortable. She has extensive experience in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and supporting clients facing stressors associated with entering adulthood.

Hayley earned her BS in Nutritional Sciences from Texas A&M University and her MS in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. With over 6 years in the mental health field, she has worked in residential treatment facilities and outpatient settings. Hayley is trained in EMDR, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders.

Sasha Pierce is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Hampton Roads native with extensive experience across various settings including school-based, community-based, and outpatient environments. Sasha values the unique strengths, experiences, and perspectives of each individual, believing in their capacity to thrive when embraced for their authentic selves.

Currently focusing on adult clients, Sasha specializes in parenting skills, coparenting, separation/divorce, and mood and anxiety disorders. She has advanced training in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, dedicating herself to supporting birthing persons through significant life and relational transitions during the perinatal period. Sasha integrates creative interventions, humor, and client interests across different age groups into her practice.

Jessica Overturf, a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Virginia, offers telehealth appointments to clients aged 16 and older. With over ten years of experience in the mental health field, Jessica has worked across diverse clinical settings including specialized foster care, intensive community-based services, and outpatient counseling.

Jessica adopts a client-centered approach, viewing the counseling relationship as pivotal to client healing and personal growth. Her specialties include anxiety, trauma, and relationship concerns, and she emphasizes individualized treatment tailored to each client’s unique needs. Jessica is trained in EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy focusing on anxiety, and mindfulness-based CBT. She also integrates trauma-informed care, DBT, EFT/Tapping, and strength-based approaches into her practice.

Nicole is a Music Therapist with a Bachelor’s of Music and a Master’s of Science in Music Therapy, practicing since 2011. She also holds a Master’s of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Integrating traditional talk therapy with experiential therapies, Nicole creates a safe, transformative space for clients to initiate and sustain change in their lives. Nicole is board-certified in Music Therapy and a Social Work supervisee.

She is trained in the psychological assessment tool, Circles of the Self, and is currently working toward becoming a Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (BMGIM) fellow. Her therapeutic approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Existential Therapy, and Humanistic Therapy. Nicole aims to empower clients to discover healing and balance, supporting them on their journey to wholeness.

Frances Taylor Dorsey is a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker that has been practicing in Hampton Roads for the past six years. She is a Virginia Beach native who graduated with her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Norfolk State University. She brings vast experience to our practice, from working in both inpatient and outpatient clinical settings as a clinical supervisor and therapist in early intervention and continuing care retirement settings.  

Frances enjoys utilizing her vibrant skillset, humor, and mindfulness to assist children and adolescents adjusting to the current life challenges they may be facing. Frances has extensive involvement working with children and families facing anxiety, ADHD, and challenging behaviors. She also maintains training and knowledge in strengths-based solution focused therapy, TF-CBT, and Gottman Method Couples Therapy.  

Lauren Chester, a Licensed Professional Counselor, specializes in treating anxiety, depression, life transitions, perinatal mental health, and OCD. She encourages clients to explore core values and beliefs to serve as a compass for coping with life challenges and adjustments. Lauren offers a client-centered approach rooted in empathy, collaboration, and mindfulness to empower clients toward personal growth and healing.

Lauren is certified as a Perinatal Mental Health therapist (PMH-C) to provide supportive treatment for perinatal mental health conditions and transitions. She is trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold standard treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders.  

Katrina Lundquist is a Resident in Counseling who earned her Master’s in Counseling with a concentration in Crisis Intervention & Trauma Counseling in May 2021. During her graduate school internship at a substance abuse rehabilitation center, she specialized in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for clients.

Katrina employs a client-centered approach and has extensive experience working with individuals who have experienced trauma or are survivors of physical, sexual, or psychological abuse. While she excels in working with children and adolescents, Katrina welcomes clients of all ages. She is also trained in the Gottman Method for Couples Therapy and offers marriage counseling services.

Brooke Massenburg, a Resident in Counseling, specializes in working with children/adolescents, adults, and supporting parents through various life stages. Brooke has experience in diverse settings including in-home, community, and hospitals. A military spouse of 12 years, she also understands the unique challenges of military life. She earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Virginia Wesleyan University in 2010 and her Master’s in Counseling from Liberty University in 2016.

Brooke is passionate about helping clients embrace their authentic selves and achieve their desired changes. Her expertise includes anxiety, depression, codependency, behavior modification, parent/child dynamics, and ADHD. Brooke is committed to maternal mental health and is pursuing additional training in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders.

Tyler Milton is a Resident in Counseling at Hilltop Counseling, specializing in telehealth services for adult clients. They earned their M.Ed in Counseling from William & Mary in 2023. Tyler, who identifies as queer and trans, possesses a deep commitment to supporting transgender individuals and the LGBTQIA+ community. Their therapeutic approach is influenced by principles of antiracism, feminism, decolonization, body and sexual liberation, and disability justice.

Tyler’s clinical expertise includes addressing issues related to gender identity, sexuality, relationship orientation, religious trauma, depression, and anxiety. Additionally, Tyler is a certified 200-hour yoga teacher, integrating mindfulness, meditation, and embodiment practices into their client work.

Kate Burleson, a Resident in Counseling, holds an M.S.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Old Dominion University. She specializes in culturally alert, trauma-informed, strengths-based counseling for adults, adolescents, and couples, integrating existential, developmental, and social justice perspectives. Kate has worked in outpatient, medical, and community-based settings, addressing depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance abuse, grief, and relationship issues.

She creates a safe, collaborative space where clients can explore concerns, process life experiences, and develop coping skills aligned with their values. Kate utilizes ACT, CBT, DBT, emotion-focused therapy, and holistic approaches tailored to individual counseling goals. She is body/sex-positive and LGBTQIA+-affirming, with interests in mindfulness/meditation, intuitive eating, and sexuality counseling.

Dr. Takera Etheridge is a Resident in Counseling. She holds an M.A. in Human Services Counseling from Liberty University, an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and a Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychological Studies with a concentration in Trauma from Regent University. She is passionate about positively impacting the lives of individuals and within her community, with a strong commitment to advocating for those who are less fortunate.

Dr. Etheridge provides a comprehensive range of psychotherapy services, including but not limited to treatment for Adjustment Disorders, Anxiety, Attachment Disorders, Depression, Family Issues, Grief/Loss, Mood Disorders, Relationship Issues, and Addiction Counseling. She is dedicated to supporting her clients on their journey to healing and growth.

Lexie Braza, a Resident in Counseling, holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Old Dominion University. She specializes in working with couples and trauma survivors, including those affected by sexual and interpersonal violence. Lexie works with teens, adults, and couples, employing trauma-informed and evidence-based practices. Her background includes working in non-profit and private practice settings, serving diverse clientele, including underserved populations.

Lexie fosters a safe space for healing and self-exploration, collaborating on treatment goals tailored to each client’s unique needs. She is passionate about providing affirming and welcoming counseling services and is trained in the Gottman Method of Couples Therapy.

Lauren Malpass is a Resident in Counseling with a Master’s Degree from Old Dominion University. She offers empathetic and compassionate therapy to clients of all ages. Drawing from a diverse range of therapeutic approaches, including person-centered techniques, attachment theory, and family systems therapy, Lauren tailors her approach to meet the unique needs of each individual and family.

Lauren is also trained in the Gottman Method, which she integrates to help couples navigate relationship dynamics, enhance understanding, and improve communication and connection. She strives to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their concerns, freely express themselves, and collaborate on meaningful and empowering solutions.

Sarah Henderson is a Resident in Counseling with a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from the University of the Cumberlands. She specializes in helping adults navigate trauma, PTSD, anxiety, relationship issues, depression, chronic pain, and life stressors. With a background working with military clients and personal familiarity with military culture, Sarah brings a unique perspective to her practice.

Sarah focuses on establishing a trusting rapport with her clients, providing a safe space for them to share their stories. She tailors her approach to each individual’s needs, utilizing client-centered, cognitive-based, trauma-focused, and solution-focused therapies. Sarah collaborates closely with clients to set goals, address barriers, and harness personal strengths, guiding them on their path to healing.

 Zaria Harrison is a Resident in Counseling with a Master’s in Counseling from Old Dominion University. She specializes in trauma-based therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), emotion-focused therapy, and person-centered therapy. Although her primary focus is on children and adolescents, Zaria is experienced in working with individuals of all ages, including those dealing with anxiety, depression, familial trauma, ADHD, and LGBTQ youth and families.

She focuses on body and sex-positivity as well as LGBTQIA+-affirming counseling practices. She further maintains a strong interest in mindfulness, meditation, and sexuality counseling. Zaria is dedicated to fostering a compassionate and inclusive environment for her clients. She welcomes opportunities to connect and collaborate on achieving personal growth and well-being.